But there was a time when confidence didn’t come so easily for the Queen Consort-in-waiting. Queen Elizabeth II sees Kate as a much-valued asset of the Firm – but she is said to have once been “uneasy in the spotlight”.
It is an idea that seems long ago when recent appearances are taken into consideration, such as her red carpet arrival at last week’s James Bond premiere in London.
The Duchess dazzled in a show-stealing gold sequined gown which led to compliments far and wide.
But a palace insider told Us Weekly that Kate struggled with attention – and being around Her Majesty, 95 – in the beginning.
The source said: “During the early days as a royal, being around Elizabeth made her nervous. She was so desperate to impress.”
The insider went on to suggest Kate, 39, is “slightly nervous” about becoming Queen Consort – once William, 39, ascends to the throne. But she is prepared – and continues to make further preparations.
Royal expert Katie Nicholl addressed the topic in ITV documentary ‘Kate: The Making of a Modern Queen’.
Ms Nicholl said: “There are two roles to a future Queen. One is to produce heirs, which she has done and one is to learn one day to become Queen. That is very much what we are seeing, we are seeing a Queen in waiting.
“We are seeing the Duchess take on more duties, more royal engagements, more of a public profile than ever before. She is taking on patronages from the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.”
